The Rollins Band perform a concert on 17 November 1989. (KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle)

The Reithalle pictured on 9 June, 2013, one of the occasions voters have been called upon to decide its future.

(KEYSTONE/Lukas Lehmann)

Police arrive again on 31 May, 1995 after squatters ignored an order to clear out.

(KEYSTONE/Edi Engeler)

Bern politicians hand in another initiative on 11 May, 2016, to stop taxpayers' money being spent on the controversial centre.

(KEYSTONE/Marcel Bieri)

The entrance to the Reithalle on 20 December, 2013, as the city authorities decide whether to continue funding following more violence.

(KEYSTONE/Peter Klaunzer)

This content was published on March 28, 2017 11:06 AMMar 28, 2017 - 11:06

The Reitschule in Bern is a venue of many faces that has had a colourful history in recent decades.

The 19th century building was once used by the city authorities as stables and a depot for stage coaches. But when the horses moved out, squatters occupied the premises for a period.

Today it is one of Switzerland's liveliest entertainment venues. There have been multiple attempts to shut it down because of its association with leftwing movements - but the Reitschule has seen off all challenges.

swissinfo.ch takes a look at the often controversial history of the Reitschule in pictures.

All photos copyright of Keystone

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